Welcome back to the school year, friends! As we move through another busy season of advancing the work of AFA, I want to pause and extend my sincere thanks to the many volunteers who make our Association what it is. AFA is powered not only by staff and elected leaders, but also by countless members who give their time, talent, and energy in service to our profession. Whether you are reviewing programs, serving on a committee, leading a Community Collective, mentoring a colleague, or contributing to a special project, your efforts are shaping the future of both fraternity/sorority advising and of AFA.
Volunteering with AFA is more than a contribution of hours; it is an investment in yourself. When members step forward to serve, they quickly discover that the experience opens new doors. You may find yourself developing professional skills that your current role doesn’t require but your future career will. You might sharpen your ability to lead a team, manage deadlines, or facilitate difficult conversations, all within the supportive environment of AFA. These skill-building opportunities translate directly back to your campus or headquarters role and strengthen your effectiveness as a professional.
Equally as important as expanding your skill set, volunteering expands your network. Our field is broad, and many of us work day-to-day with only a small circle of colleagues. Volunteering places you side by side with others across the country who share your passion for our work and want the best possible future of our field. The relationships you build through service often become lasting sources of collaboration, advice, and friendship. Time and again, volunteers tell us that the people they meet while serving with AFA become their most trusted professional partners.
Finally, volunteering embodies experiential learning at its best. We talk with our students about the value of “learning by doing” and the same is true for us. The projects you take on within AFA challenge you to apply concepts, test new ideas, and reflect on outcomes in real time. There is no better way to grow than to roll up your sleeves, contribute your perspective, and learn alongside others doing the same.
If you have volunteered with AFA in the past or are currently serving, thank you! Your leadership is not only appreciated, it is essential. If you have not yet taken that step or it has been a moment since you have volunteered, I encourage you to consider where your time and talents might fit. Opportunities range from short-term or micro volunteer experiences, project-based commitments to ongoing committee roles, ensuring there is a place for everyone who wishes to be involved.
Our Association thrives when our members are engaged, and volunteering is one of the most rewarding ways to maximize the value of your membership. I invite you to see service not only as a gift to AFA but also as a gift to yourself. Together, through shared commitment and active involvement, we can continue to elevate the impact of our work and strengthen the future of our profession.
